Van Horn High School is a public high school located at 1109 S. Arlington Ave. in Independence, Missouri, United States, in the Kansas City metropolitan area. As of 2008, it is part of the Independence School District. It previously was part of the Kansas City, Missouri School District when it opened in 1955.
Serving 1,113 students in grades 9-12, Van Horn High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Missouri for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 14% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 40%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 27% (which is lower than the Missouri state average of 43%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Missouri state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Missouri state average of 32% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,113 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 92% (Top 20% in MO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 14% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 27% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class="so-dt-title" id="top-rankings">Top Rankings
Van Horn High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Missouri for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
Diversity
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="overview">School Overview <Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="school-rankings">School Rankings
Van Horn High School's student population of 1,113 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 61 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,113 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
61 teachers
Year Founded
1955
School Calendar
School Motto
Fly to the Sky!
Van Horn High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,076 schools in Missouri (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Van Horn High School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.51. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1847 out of 2076 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
14%
40%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
27%
43%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
2%
Hispanic
37%
8%
Black
16%
15%
White
42%
68%
Hawaiian
n/a
1%
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
92%
90%
Eligible for Free Lunch
64%
42%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MO Dept. of Education
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id="school-notes">School Notes- School Mascot: Falcon
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
<Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions What is Van Horn High School's ranking?
Van Horn High School is ranked #1847 out of 2,076 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Missouri.
What schools are Van Horn High School often compared to?
Van Horn High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Truman High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
14% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 40% MO state average), while 27% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 43% MO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Van Horn High School?
The graduation rate of Van Horn High School is 92%, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 90%.
How many students attend Van Horn High School?
1,113 students attend Van Horn High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Van Horn High School students are White, 37% of students are Hispanic, 16% of students are Black, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Van Horn High School?
Van Horn High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Missouri state average of 12:1.
What grades does Van Horn High School offer ?
Van Horn High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Van Horn High School part of?
Van Horn High School is part of Independence 30 School District.
School Reviews4 10/10/2025Honestly a nice place. very diverse and a handful of nice teachers.-> Mrs. Cox is the best teacherReview Van Horn High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Honestly a nice place. very diverse and a handful of nice teachers.-> Mrs. Cox is the best teacher
Review Van Horn High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Â鶹¹û¶³´«Ã½ Articles
Back-to-School Tech & Online Learning Readiness Checklist
A 2026 guide to back-to-school tech & online learning readiness, helping families prepare devices, connectivity, skills, and safety.
How Public Schools Prepare for College in High School
Learn how public schools prepare for college and what parents should look for as students begin high school. Updated for 2026.
School Choice in 2026: What Parents Must Know
Explore how school choice is reshaping U.S. education in 2026, with updated trends, enrollment data, costs, policies, and practical guidance for parents.
